Secondary containment

ABSTRACT

This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.

PRIORITY

This application is a utility application that claims priority fromprovisional applications 61/712,689 filed Oct. 11, 2012, 61/736,449filed Dec, 12, 2012, 61/752,878 filed Jan. 15, 2013 , and 61/766,059filed Feb. 2, 2013 , which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

In resource extraction, secondary containment systems are often desiredto prevent environmental degradation in the event of an unintentionalrelease of extracted material. The secondary containment system is setup around the extraction site as a barrier to contain the extractedmaterial, such as oil. For example, the secondary containment system canprevent spilled oil from reaching a receiving water body or other areathat might suffer environmental degradation from the spilled oil.Secondary containment systems should be effectively water-tight and ableto stand up to the force applied by the released, extracted materialagainst the barrier. Existing systems for anchoring and splicingtogether components of secondary containment systems can require a largeamount of materials and installation time to produce effective spillcontainment. To properly support sidewalls of secondary containmentsystems, typically posts are anchored with concrete set in the ground.Due to the inadequate structural support of typical concrete footingsused with the posts, a close spacing of posts must be used along thebarrier sidewalls, thereby requiring a significant amount of materials.In addition, the large number of concrete footings at the posts can takea significant amount of installation time. The sidewalls are typicallymade with overlapping barrier panels of corrugated steel that arespliced together with a gasket between overlapping panels. For thesecondary containment system to be effectively water-tight, in case aninner liner of the system is punctured or otherwise fails, a largenumber of bolts are typically used to produce sufficient pressure on theoverlapping panels against the gasket. The large number of bolts canrequire significant installation time.

SUMMARY

This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. Oneimplementation is a support assembly for a secondary containment systemincluding at least one stabilization plate. Another implementationincludes first and second stabilization plates mounted on opposite sidesof an elongate post member of a support assembly. A furtherimplementation is a splice assembly including a pair of elongatereinforcing members with inwardly facing surfaces that have acorrugation pattern, for securing on either side of a pair ofoverlapping corrugated panels.

The above listed examples are provided for introductory purposes and donot include all of, and/or limit, the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the conceptsconveyed in the present application. Features of the illustratedimplementations can be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are usedwherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-mostnumeral of each reference number conveys the figure and associateddiscussion where the reference number is first introduced.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of a secondary containmentsystem that is consistent with containment concepts in accordance withsome implementations.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of structures of a secondarycontainment system that are consistent with containment concepts inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example support assembly that isconsistent with containment concepts in accordance with someimplementations.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective views of example upper stabilizationplates that are consistent with containment concepts in accordance withsome implementations.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an example support assembly in thecontext of a secondary containment system that is consistent withcontainment concepts in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a supportassembly in accordance with some implementations.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective and a sectional view showing anotherexample of a support assembly in the context of a secondary containmentsystem that are consistent with containment concepts in accordance withsome implementations.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show perspective views of structures and methods forassembling an example support assembly.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view and FIGS. 9B and 9C are sectional views ofan example reinforcing assembly that is consistent with containmentconcepts in accordance with some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

The present description relates to secondary containment systems forcontaining a material, such as a liquid. For example, secondarycontainment systems can be utilized during resource extractionoperations to contain spilled drilling materials and/or extractedmaterials. As used herein, “secondary containment” is intended to begiven a broad definition to include any type of barrier, such as aliquid barrier, a barrier for another material, or an assembly ofcomponents that may serve as a barrier or may serve another purpose.

The described implementations can address containment issues. Asmentioned above, containment issues can include a need for a secondarycontainment system to be water-tight (e.g., fluid-tight) and a need fora secondary containment system to resist a force of material against it.Containment issues can also include a need to hold or splice togethercomponents of a system that may contain a material. Specific structuresfor accomplishing the containment are described in more detail belowrelative to FIGS. 1 through 9C.

Viewed another way, the described implementations offer the capacity tocontain materials, create a barrier, and/or otherwise support or connectcorrugated panels. The described implementations offer reduced materialneeds, improved structural support, and reduced installation time forsecondary containment systems. The present concepts can be applied inother fields, such as fields where a barrier is needed to contain amaterial or corrugated sheets are spliced together, for example snowfences, grain elevators, or culverts.

EXAMPLES

FIGS. 1 through 3 collectively illustrate an implementation of asecondary containment system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, one implementationof the secondary containment system 100 can include support assemblies102 and splice assemblies 104 (e.g., panel splice assemblies,reinforcing assemblies). Note that different instances of the variouselements in FIG. 1 are distinguished by parenthetical references, e.g.,104(1) refers to a different splice assembly than 104(2). When referringto multiple elements collectively, the parenthetical will not be used,e.g., splice assemblies 104 can refer to either or all of spliceassembly 104(1), splice assembly 104(2), and splice assembly 104(3).FIGS. 4 through 8D collectively illustrate support assemblyimplementations. FIGS. 9A through 9C collectively illustrate spliceassembly implementations.

Referring to FIG. 1, secondary containment system 100 can includemultiple support assemblies 102 and splice assemblies 104. Due to theconstraints of the drawing page, only a portion of the secondarycontainment system is shown. Also, the relative sizes and/or proportionsof the elements shown in the Figure may not be to scale. The numberand/or placement of support assemblies and splice assemblies shown inFIG. 1 is for illustration only and is not meant to be limiting. Thenumber or placement of support assemblies and splice assemblies may varybased on many factors, such as overall dimensions utilized for thesecondary containment system.

In one implementation, support assemblies 102 can be spaced apart tosupport a generally continuous barrier structure 106 that defines aperimeter (not shown) of secondary containment system 100. The secondarycontainment system can be configured to confine materials, such asspilled liquids, to an interior 108 of the perimeter. As shown in FIG.1, barrier structure 106 can include multiple overlapping panels 110(e.g., panels, barrier panels). The barrier structure may include otherelements, such as corner sections 112. In FIG. 1, the interior 108 isgenerally in the background of the drawing, or behind the barrierstructure. In this example, when secondary containment system 100contains a material such as a liquid in the interior 108, the supportassemblies can generally keep the secondary containment system in place,by preventing barrier structure 106 from tipping over, away from theinterior, or by preventing the secondary containment system fromotherwise failing from a force or pressure of the material beingcontained. In this respect failure can refer to any manner in whichpanels 110 or other elements of barrier structure 106 or secondarycontainment system 100 no longer contain a material or effectivelyresist a force or pressure, such as by tipping or bending. Failure doesnot necessarily refer to a catastrophic material or secondarycontainment system failure.

As shown in the example in FIG. 1, panels 110, corner sections 112, orother elements of barrier structure 106 can be connected by spliceassemblies 104. Splice assemblies 104 can splice together overlappingsections 114 (e.g., overlap areas) of elements of barrier structure 106,such as panels 110 or corner sections 112. In FIG. 1, three instances ofoverlapping sections are shown. For example, overlapping section 114(1)is where a first overlapping panel 110(1) and a second overlapping panel110(2) overlap and are connected by splice assembly 104(1). Overlappingsection 114(2) is where panel 110(2) and corner section 112 overlap,connected by splice assembly 104(2). Overlapping section 114(3) is wherepanel 110(3) and corner section 112 overlap, connected by spliceassembly 104(3).

FIGS. 2 and 3 collectively show closer views of some components of oneimplementation of secondary containment system 100. FIG. 2 shows anexample of the secondary containment system with the interior 108generally in the background of the drawing. FIG. 3 shows the drawing ofFIG. 2 as seen from the opposite side, with the interior 108 generallyin the foreground of the drawing.

In the example secondary containment system 100 shown in FIG. 2, supportassembly 102 can include an elongate post member 220, a lowerstabilization plate 222 (e.g., first stabilization plate), an upperstabilization plate 224 (e.g., second stabilization plate), and a cap226. Elongate post member 220 can be embedded in the ground 230proximate the perimeter (not shown) of secondary containment system 100.FIG. 2 includes a cutaway view of the ground 230 to show the elongatepost member 220 embedded in the ground, where the ground is depictedwith hash marks. In this example, panel 110(1) is secured againstsupport assembly 102 on the interior 108 side of the support assembly.The various elements of support assembly 102 will be described infurther detail below.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is splice assembly 104(1). In some implementations,splice assemblies 104 can include a pair of elongate reinforcing members204. In FIG. 2, only a first individual elongate reinforcing member204(1) of the pair is visible. FIG. 3 shows the opposing side of spliceassembly 104(1), with the opposing reinforcing member 204(2) on theopposite side of overlapping section 114(1). (Both reinforcing members204(1), 204(2) are evident in FIGS. 9A through 9C). The reinforcingmembers 204 can have a long axis that is generally parallel to the yaxis of the x-y-z reference axes. The various elements of spliceassemblies 104 will be described in further detail below relative toFIGS. 9A through 9C.

Various details of support assembly 102 will now be described in moredetail. FIG. 4 shows a closer, isolated view of example support assembly102. In this case, elongate post member 220 can have an overall lengthL₁ from a bottom end 440 (e.g., first end) to a top end 442 (e.g.,second, opposite end). The elongate post member can have an upperportion L₂ (e.g., length) and a lower portion L₃ (e.g., length). Theelongate post member can also have a first major surface 443 (e.g.,first side) and an opposing second major surface 444 (e.g., second side)that are generally parallel and generally planar with respect to the xand y axes of the x-y-z reference axes. In FIG. 4, the first majorsurface is not visible due to the perspective of the drawing, but isgenerally designated with an arrow at 443. The second major surface isvisible and designated as 444. (Example first and second major surfacesare both evident in another implementation of the support assembly shownin FIG. 5.)

In some implementations, lower stabilization plate 222 can be securedagainst the first major surface 443 of elongate post member 220proximate the bottom end 440 of the elongate post member. Upperstabilization plate 224 can be secured against the opposite side of theelongate post member, against the second major surface 444 of theelongate post member. In this case upper stabilization plate 224 can bepositioned farther from the bottom end 440 than lower stabilizationplate 222, but closer to the bottom end than the top end 442 of theelongate post member 220.

FIG. 4 shows exploded views of implementations of the lowerstabilization plate 222 and the upper stabilization plate 224. As shownin the example in FIG. 4, the lower stabilization plate can be generallyplanar. When secured against the elongate post member 220, lowerstabilization plate 222 can extend generally parallel to the first majorsurface 443, in the x and y directions of the x-y-z reference axes. Theupper stabilization plate 224 can include a generally vertical portion450 (e.g., first portion, first generally planar portion) and agenerally horizontal portion 452 (e.g., second portion, second generallyplanar portion). The vertical portion 450 can extend generally parallelto the second major surface 444, in the x and y directions of the x-y-zreference axes. The shapes of the lower and upper stabilization platesshown in FIG. 4 are not meant to be limiting. Other shapes, dimensions,and/or proportions of the lower and upper stabilization plates arecontemplated. In some implementations, an overall width of the verticalportion 450 can be greater than an overall height of the verticalportion, as shown but not designated in FIG. 4. In this example, theoverall width of the vertical portion 450 is about 12 inches. Also inthis example, the vertical portion of upper stabilization plate 224 andthe lower stabilization plate 222 are mounted on opposite sides ofelongate post member 220.

The vertical portion 450 of the upper stabilization plate 224 can have atop edge 454 (e.g., upper edge). In some implementations, when the upperstabilization plate is secured against the elongate post member 220, thetop edge 454 of the vertical portion can be positioned against theelongate post member and generally extend along the x axis of the x-y-zreference axes. Viewed another way, the top edge 454 of the verticalportion can be positioned at a top edge of the lower portion L₃ of theelongate post member. In this case, the vertical portion of the upperstabilization plate can have a surface area generally parallel to thex-y plane of the x-y-z reference axes. The lower stabilization plate 222can also have a surface area that is generally parallel to verticalportion 450.

In this implementation, the overall length L₁ of elongate post member220 can be between 4 and 5 feet, and a length of the lower portion L₃can be around 23 inches. Viewed another way, a proportion (e.g., ratio)of lengths of the upper portion L₂ of the elongate post member 220 tothe lower portion L₃ can be in a range of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1. Inthis case, the proportion of the lengths of the upper portion L₂ to thelower portion L₃ can be around 1.25:1. The surface area of verticalportion 450 of upper stabilization plate 224 can be at least five timesgreater than the surface area of lower stabilization plate 222. Forexample, the surface area of the vertical portion can be around 60square inches or greater, while the surface area of the lowerstabilization plate can be around 12 square inches or less. As notedabove, other dimensions and/or shapes for the elongate post member andlower and upper stabilization plates are contemplated, including theproportions of these elements relative to each other.

As shown in the example in FIG. 4, the horizontal portion 452 of theupper stabilization plate 224 can extend from the top edge 454 in the zdirection of the x-y-z reference axes. The horizontal portion can begenerally planar, and can have a slot 456 to accommodate the elongatepost member 220, so that the horizontal portion extends around theelongate post member and past the first major surface 443. A width (notdesignated) of the elongate post member can be described as a distancein the z direction between the opposing first and second major surfaces443, 444 of the elongate post member. In some implementations, thehorizontal portion 452 can extend past the first major surface in the zdirection by an amount that is equal to or greater than the width of theelongate post member.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show additional example implementations of upperstabilization plates. As noted above, like reference numbers in thevarious drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements.In these examples, upper stabilization plates 224(1), 224(2) includevertical portions 450, horizontal portions 452, and top edges 454 thatare generally the same as upper stabilization plate 224 of FIG. 4.However, the upper stabilization plates in FIG. 4A and 4B include someadditional elements. As shown in the example in FIG. 4A, horizontalportion 452 can include vertical extensions 460(1), 460(2) (e.g., thirdgenerally planar portion). The vertical extensions can generally rise inthe y direction from an end 462 of the horizontal portion opposite thetop edge 454. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the horizontal portion452 can include vertical folds 464(1), 464(2), which can generally risein they direction from an end 466 of the horizontal portion opposite thetop edge 454. Furthermore, horizontal portion 452 can include horizontalextensions 468(1), 468(2) connected to the vertical folds opposite theend 466. The function of these additional elements will be describedrelative to FIG. 5.

Elongate post member 220 can be fabricated from various materials. Forexample, the elongate post member can be made from iron-based,aluminum-based, or other materials configured in the form of channel,bent plate, wide flange beam, tube steel (round or square)(e.g., hollowstructural section), angle or pipe, or I-beam, among others. The exampleelongate post member 220 shown in FIG. 4 is made from two-inch squarehollow structural section with ⅛-inch wall thickness (e.g., HSS2×2×1/8). As another example, the elongate post member can be made from12-gauge, two-inch square hollow structural section (e.g., HSS2×2×12-gauge). Of course other structural materials and/or dimensions,including thicknesses, are contemplated. The material of the elongatepost member can have rigidity to resist force, such as a force parallelto the ground that is applied to the post in a horizontal direction.

The elongate post member 220 can have a configuration that has one ormore flat surfaces, such as square tube steel (as mentioned above). Thesquare tube steel form can provide the first and second major surfaces443, 444 as flat surfaces. A configuration that has at least one flatsurface can make it an easier configuration to work with, such as forsecuring lower stabilization plate 222 and upper stabilization plate 224to the elongate post member. For example, lower and upper stabilizationplates can be welded to first and second major surfaces 443, 444.Additionally, if the elongate post member 220 includes a flat surface,it can be easier to grab, lift, or turn the elongate post member with amechanical device, such as to position support assembly 102. Otherwise,if the elongate post member were made from rounded pipe, turning orpositioning the support assembly, particularly with a mechanical device,could be more difficult or less precise. However, some implementationscan employ round pipe or other configurations for the elongate postmember. For example the elongate post member could be made from angleiron (as mentioned above), and at least one of the upper or lowerstabilization plates could be welded to a flat surface of the angle iron(or across the angled surfaces) or affixed in another manner.

Lower stabilization plate 222 and upper stabilization plate 224 can beconfigured from various structural materials. For example, iron based oraluminum based materials in the form of plate or bent plate, amongothers, can be employed. As shown in the example in FIG. 4, 12-gaugemetal plate can be cut in the shape of upper stabilization plate 224,then bent to form vertical portion 450, horizontal portion 452, and/orother elements such as vertical extensions 460(1), 460(2) (FIG. 4A). InFIG. 4, lower stabilization plate 222 is also formed from 12-gauge metalplate. In other implementations, the vertical portion and the horizontalportion could be made from two or more pieces that are welded togetheror otherwise connected.

As shown in FIG. 4, support assembly 102 can have a cap 226. The cap canhave a horizontal surface 458 for receiving a downward vertical forcefor driving the support assembly into the ground. In this example, thecap 226 can prevent the elongate post member 220 from being distorted bythe downward vertical force. The cap can be cut from ¼-inch thick metalplate. The cap can be wider than the top end 442 of the elongate postmember as shown in FIG. 4, or can be sized to fit the top end of theelongate post member. The cap can be designed to fit into or be held bya device for driving the support assembly into the ground.

Additionally, the cap could include a hook, loop, or other structure(not shown) for lifting the support assembly. Other structures orfunctions for the cap are contemplated consistent with the presentcontainment concepts.

Various fasteners can be utilized to secure the elements of supportassembly 102 to one another. Alternatively or additionally, welding orother techniques can be utilized to secure the elements together. Forexample, lower stabilization plate 222 and upper stabilization plate 224can be attached to elongate post member 220 by welding, or by fastenersincluding bolts, threaded weld studs, and/or self driving screws orpins, among others. The lower and upper stabilization plates could beclamped to the elongate post member. In some implementations, the loweror upper stabilization plates could be embedded in the ground proximatethe elongate post member without being attached to the elongate postmember. The cap 226 could be welded or otherwise secured to the top end442 of the elongate post member.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of another example of a supportassembly 102A in the context of another implementation of a secondarycontainment system 100A. As noted above, like reference numbers in thevarious drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements.For example, in secondary containment system 100A, support assembly 102Acan include similar elements as support assembly 102, such as elongatepost member 220A, lower stabilization plate 222A, upper stabilizationplate 224A, and cap 226A. Some implementations of secondary containmentsystems 100, 100A or support assemblies 102, 102A may have minordimensional or proportional differences in some like elements. Forexample, elongate post member 220A of support assembly 102A is shown inFIG. 5 as slightly shorter than panel 110A, as opposed to the elongatepost member 220 of support assembly 102 of secondary containment system100, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, which is taller than panel 110.Also, the cap 226 of support assembly 102 shown in FIG. 4 is wider thanthe cap 226A of support assembly 102A shown in FIG. 5. Note that in theexample shown in FIG. 5, dashed lines 560 within elongate post member220A illustrate inner surfaces of the square tube steel. In thisexample, the interior 108A side of secondary containment system 100A isagainst a first major surface 443A of the elongate post member.

Lower stabilization plate 222A is secured against the first majorsurface 443A of elongate post member 220A proximate bottom end 440A ofthe elongate post member such that the lower stabilization plate facesthe interior 108A of secondary containment system 100A. Upperstabilization plate 224A is secured against second major surface 444Asuch that a vertical portion 450A of the upper stabilization plate facesaway from the interior 108A of secondary containment system 100A. Theupper stabilization plate 224A can be positioned such that the verticalportion 450A is embedded in the ground 230, generally near the groundsurface 530.

In this implementation, elongate post member 220A can have an overalllength L_(1A) as measured from the bottom end 440A to top end 442A. Theelongate post member can be embedded in the ground 230 such that anupper portion L_(2A) (e.g., length) is above the ground surface 530 anda lower portion L_(3A) (e.g., length) is below the ground surface.Similar to example elongate post member 220 (FIG. 4), the overall lengthL_(1A) of the elongate post member 220A can be between 4 and 5 feet, anda length of the lower portion L_(3A) embedded in the ground 230 can bearound 23 inches, such that the proportion of lengths of the upperportion L_(2A) to the lower portion L_(3A) can be around 1.25:1. Otherdimensions and/or proportions for the elongate post member arecontemplated, including the portions intended to be embedded in theground or left above the ground surface.

As noted above and shown in the example in FIG. 5, the vertical portion450A of upper stabilization plate 224A can be embedded in the ground 230such that the top edge 454A of the vertical portion is generally nearthe ground surface 530. A horizontal portion 452A of the upperstabilization plate can lie along the ground surface 530 (e.g., flushwith the ground surface) when the vertical portion is embedded in theground. (In FIG. 5 the horizontal portion 452A is depicted with a dashedline since the sectional view is through a slot in the horizontalportion, as shown and described relative to the example horizontalsection in FIG. 4.) As discussed above relative to the example in FIG. 4and also shown in the example in FIG. 5, the horizontal portion canextend from the top edge 454A of the vertical portion past elongate postmember 220A toward the interior 108A of the secondary containment system100A. Thus, the horizontal portion can support at least one panel 110Aon the interior side of the elongate post member. Additionally shown inFIG. 5, some implementations of the secondary containment system 100Acan include an inner liner 562 that can extend down the interior 108Aside of panel 110A and continue toward the interior 108A along theground surface 530. The liner 562 may or may not be attached to thepanels 110A. The liner can be any type of plastic liner, spray-on liner,or other liner. The liner can be intended to make the secondarycontainment system effectively water-tight (e.g., fluid-tight).

Shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations panels 110A can be attached tosupport assemblies 102A with bolts 564. (Not all bolts 564 are shown toavoid clutter on the drawing page.) For example, panel 110A can beattached to first major surface 443A of elongate post member 220A withany number of bolts. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heads of thebolts (not designated) are toward the interior side of the supportassembly. (Note that heads of the bolts are shown but not designated inthe example in FIG. 3.) In some implementations, holes for the bolts maybe pre-drilled in the support assemblies (shown but not designated inthe example in FIG. 4). Bolts are just one example of an attachment forthe panel to the support assembly. Other methods of attaching theseelements are contemplated, such as screws, pins, clamps, wire, zip ties,or other means. Alternatively or additionally, the panels can be placedproximate the support assemblies without attachment. The panels can beattached to or held by elements of the support assemblies, such as thehorizontal portion 452A of the upper stabilization plate 224A. Referringto FIGS. 4A and 4B, the panels can be held by additional elements of theupper stabilization plates, such as vertical extensions 460(1), 460(2)or vertical folds 464(1), 464(2). In the case shown in FIG. 4B, thehorizontal extensions 468(1), 468(2) can provide some support orprotection for liner 562 (FIG. 5).

FIG. 5 also shows forces that can be applied to support assembly 102A,which will be described in the following discussion. As used herein,“force” is intended to be given a broad definition to include any typeof force, pressure, moment, or moment area of inertia, among others,that may be applied to elements of the various implementations of thesecondary containment system. Forces, depicted as horizontal arrows inFIG. 5, are for illustration purposes only. The size or proportions ofthe arrows are not to scale, and do not imply a magnitude of forces ormoments that can be applied to elements of the secondary containmentsystem.

As shown in the example in FIG. 5, a force from within the secondarycontainment system 100A, distributed against the interior 108A ofpanel(s) 110A, can be approximated by a generally horizontal summaryforce 570. Summary force 570 can exert pressure on support assembly 102Aat a certain height (not designated) from the ground surface 530. Inthis case, when force 570 is applied to the panel(s), elongate postmember 220A can push against the vertical portion 450A of the upperstabilization plate 224A. In turn, the vertical portion pushes into theground 230 away from the interior 108A of the secondary containmentsystem, shown as force 572. Force 572 can cause a reaction force 574(e.g., ground reaction force) of the ground pushing back against theupper stabilization plate. Additionally, when force 570 is applied andvertical portion 450A presses into the ground, the elongate post membercould be pressured to tip over, or in other words rotate about an axisthat is parallel to the x axis of the x-y-z reference axes and proximateto the ground surface 530 and/or the upper stabilization plate. In thismanner the top end 442A of the elongate post member can be pressured tomove away from the interior of the secondary containment system.Accordingly, the bottom end 440A of the elongate post member can bepressured to move toward the interior, and lower stabilization plate222A can apply force 576 against the ground. In this case, force 576 cancause a reaction force 578 of the ground pushing back against the lowerstabilization plate.

Viewed another way, in some implementations the vertical portion 450A ofthe upper stabilization plate 224A can be intended to reduce movement ofthe top end 442A of the elongate post member 220A away from the interior108A of the secondary containment system 100A when the support assembly102A is embedded in the ground 230 and force 570 is applied. The upperstabilization plate can give rigidness to elongate post member, and caneffectively increase a surface area of the elongate post member againstthe ground 230. Similarly, the lower stabilization plate 222A can bedesigned to reduce movement of the bottom end 440A of the elongate postmember toward the interior of the secondary containment system whenforce 570 is applied. The movement of any part of the elongate postmember that the upper and lower stabilization plates are designed toresist can include rotation, translation, and/or a combination ofrotation and translation.

An estimated magnitude of force 570 can be used to design elements ofsome implementations of secondary containment systems. Referring to theexample illustrated in FIG. 5, dimensions (e.g., vertical surface area,size, shape, and/or proportions) of the lower and upper stabilizationplates 222A, 224A can be estimated or calculated based on a need tostabilize the elongate post member 220A against force 570. In this case,secondary containment system 100A can be designed to contain a spill,such as an oil spill, in the interior 108A. A magnitude of force 570 canbe estimated based on factors such as physical properties of the oil,depth of the oil, and spacing of the support assemblies 102A along thepanels 110A. Factors such as the estimated magnitude of force 570 andthe height of force 570 above the ground surface 530 could be used toestimate force 572 of the vertical portion against the ground 230. Forreaction force 574 to be a generally equal and opposite force to force572, thereby stabilizing the elongate post member, an estimated minimumsurface area of the vertical portion could be calculated from theestimated magnitude of force 572 and other influencing factors, such asphysical properties of the ground (e.g., soil stiffness, compaction).Similarly, an estimated minimum surface area of the lower stabilizationplate can also be determined.

FIGS. 6 through 8D collectively illustrate an example of an alternativesupport assembly 102B. This example includes a base plate 600, elongatepost member 220B, a brace 602, and a stabilization plate 604. FIG. 6includes an exploded view of the base plate, which can include a cutout606. The base plate can be formed from various structural materials,including iron based or aluminum based materials in the form of plate,bent plate, flat bar, or channel, among others. Elongate post member220B can fit through cutout 606 in base plate 600. The cutout can be anyshape that matches the shape of the elongate post member, or in otherwords receives the elongate post member. In this case elongate postmember 220B is C-shaped channel and the cutout is a correspondingC-shape. In another example, the elongate post member can be square tubesteel and the cutout could have a correspondingly sized square shape(not shown). Brace 602 can also be configured from various structuralmaterials, such as iron based or aluminum based materials in the form ofpipe or angle or tube steel, among others. Various fasteners can beutilized to secure the elements of support assembly 102B to one another.Alternatively or additionally, welding or other techniques can beutilized to secure the elements together.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the example support assembly 102B in the context ofa secondary containment system 100B, with a panel 110B attached. FIG. 7Ais a perspective drawing with the interior 108B of the secondarycontainment system on an opposite side of the panel 110B from theelongate post member 220B. FIG. 7B is a sectional drawing of thesecondary containment system, also with the interior on the oppositeside of the panel 110B from the elongate post member 220B. Referring toFIG. 7B, support assembly 102B can be embedded in the ground 230 suchthat the base plate generally rests on the ground surface 530 (e.g.,flush with the ground). In the example of support assembly 102B, thepanel 110B can rest on base plate 600.

In one implementation, support assembly 102B can be preassembled anddriven into the ground as a unit. In other implementations, some or allof the elements of support assembly 102B could be assembled andinstalled in place, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8D. For example,base plate 600 can be placed on the ground as shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8Bshows elongate post member 220B driven into the ground through cutout606 in the base plate. Shown in FIG. 8C, brace 602 can be attached tothe elongate post member and the base plate. FIG. 8D shows stabilizationplate 604 driven into the ground. Finally, panel 110B can be attached tothe support assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another case, thesupport assemblies can be preassembled with the exception of thestabilization plate; the assembly can be driven into the ground and thenthe stabilization plate can be driven into the ground proximate to thebase plate.

Design or dimensions of various implementations of the supportassemblies can be influenced by many factors. For a secondarycontainment system to be able to contain a larger force or a force thatis applied generally higher on the interior of the panels, the elongatepost members and stabilization plates could be embedded deeper in theground, support assemblies could be spaced more closely along thepanels, or the support assemblies could be braced, as in example supportassembly 102B shown in FIG. 6. In general, the use of stabilizationplates on the support assemblies can allow the support assemblies to beplaced farther apart along the panels than systems using traditionalposts set in concrete footings. For example, support assemblies withlower and upper stabilization plates, such as support assemblies 102(FIGS. 1-4) and 102A (FIG. 5), can be placed approximately ten feetapart and can provide similar support as traditional posts usingconcrete footings placed approximately four feet apart.

Some factors affecting the design of some elements of support assembliescan include soil stiffness or compaction at a work site, a desire forconservation of materials, a desired height of elongate post members,and/or a limit on the footprint of the secondary containment system,among others. There can be a limit to the depth some elements can beembedded in the ground, such as where pipes or other materials arelocated or suspected within the ground, or where a depth of prepared orcompacted ground is limited at a work site. Design of some elements ofsupport assemblies can be influenced by considerations for how theelements are embedded into the ground, such as a shape for entry to theground or a shape for applying force to embed the elements in theground.

Other configurations of support assemblies are contemplated. Forexample, if a smaller footprint were desired for secondary containmentsystem 100 (FIG. 1), elongate post member 220 and panels 110 could betaller and contain a similar volume of material as a secondarycontainment system with a larger footprint. The example support assembly102 shown in FIG. 4 could be modified to also include a brace similar tobrace 602 in FIG. 6, but without a base plate such as base plate 600shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the brace could allow the supportassembly to support a taller elongate post member. In this case, upperstabilization plate 224 (FIG. 4) could be secured to the elongate postmember 220, stabilization plate 604 (FIG. 6) could be on the end of thebrace 602, or the support assembly could include both of thesestabilization plates.

Support assemblies such as 102 (FIGS. 1-4), 102A (FIG. 5), and/or 102B(FIGS. 6-8D) could be used in other fields besides secondary containmentsystems. Other uses can include support for snow fences or highway guardrails. The support assemblies can generally be used to assist incountering a horizontal force.

Various details of splice assembly 104 will now be described in moredetail. FIGS. 9A through 9C collectively relate to securing panels 110of secondary containment system 100 to one another. As mentioned above,some implementations of the secondary containment system can includesplice assemblies 104, which can consist of pairs of reinforcing members204. The example illustrated in FIG. 9A shows reinforcing members 204(1)and 204(2), which are also evident in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Thereinforcing members 204 can have side members 900 with inwardly facingsurfaces 902. In FIG. 9A, only one inwardly facing surface 902(1) isvisible on reinforcing member 204(1) due to the perspective of thedrawing, while two inwardly facing surfaces 902(2) and 902(3) arevisible on reinforcing member 204(2). In some implementations, thesplice assemblies 104 can include corrugation spacer and plug assemblies904, shown in FIG. 9B. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, in this implementationa corrugation spacer and plug assembly 904(1) can include a bolt 906, acorrugation spacer 908, a plug 910, and a nut 912. In someimplementations of the secondary containment system, a corrugationgasket 914 can be placed between the spliced panels 110.

As shown in the example in FIGS. 1-3, panels 110 of secondarycontainment system 100 can have a corrugation pattern. This pattern isbest seen when viewed along an edge of a panel 110, as in FIG. 9B. FIG.9B is a sectional view of example splice assembly 104(1) viewed alongthe x axis. In this example, panels 110(1) and 110(2) are splicedtogether, although they are designated together as 110 due to the scaleof the drawing. (Individual panels 110(1) and 110(2) are evident in thecloser view in FIG. 9C.) In FIG. 9B, the panels 110 extend into thedrawing page along the x axis, and the corrugation pattern of the endsof the panels define a wave shape or a generally sinusoidal curveextending along the y axis of the x-y-z reference axes. FIG. 9C is asectional view of example splice assembly 104(1) viewed along the yaxis, or orthogonal to the view in FIG. 9B. Accordingly, in FIG. 9C thepanels 110 appear flat, instead of having a wave shape.

In general, the corrugation pattern of multiple panels 110 can matchsuch that the panels generally fit against one another at overlappingsections 114 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), or nest with each other. Referringto the example shown in FIG. 9B, the inwardly facing surfaces 902 canhave a corrugation pattern that matches the corrugation pattern of thepanels 110. Accordingly, when the reinforcing members 204 are placed onoverlapping panels 110, the inwardly facing surfaces can lie closelyagainst the corrugated sides of the panels. Viewed another way,referring to FIG. 9A, the corrugation pattern of inwardly facing surface902(1) can interlock with the corrugation pattern of inwardly facingsurface 902(2) when reinforcing members 204(1) and 204(2) are broughttogether on opposing sides of the panels 110, as shown in FIG. 9B.

In some implementations, the panels 110 can be sheets of corrugatedaluminum or other metal. The corrugation pattern can be any pattern orshape that can add strength to the panel, as opposed to a planar sheetof material that may be relatively more susceptible to bending or otherfailure when subjected to a force. For example, referring to FIG. 9B,the pattern can add strength to the panel 110 to be able to resistdeformation of the panel when a force is applied to a broad side of thepanel. Other patterns or shapes for the panels or panel edges arecontemplated, such as zigzags, or irregular patterns or shapes.Accordingly, the reinforcing members 204 can conform to or otherwisematch the shape of the panels.

The reinforcing members 204 can be made from various materials, such asiron based or aluminum based materials in the form of plate or bentplate, among others. For example, 10-gauge metal plate can be cut with acorrugation pattern on two opposing long sides, then formed (e.g.,pressed) to resemble the channel shape of example reinforcing member204(2) shown in FIG. 9A. The channel shape can add rigidity to thereinforcing member. Alternatively, channel or square tube steel could becut lengthwise with a corrugation pattern to achieve a similarconfiguration. Other materials or configurations for reinforcing membersare contemplated. The example reinforcing members 204 shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B have two side members 900 and two inwardly facing surfaces 902.In other implementations, the reinforcing members could have more orless side members or inwardly facing surfaces. For example, thereinforcing member could be made from a long strip of plate metal formedor pressed in a corrugated shape (e.g., wave shape) or made from a solidmaterial cut lengthwise with a corrugation pattern, such that there areno side members and only one inwardly facing surface (not shown).

As shown in the example in FIG. 9B, splice assembly 104(1) can extendvertically along the overlapping panels 110 (e.g., along the y axis),but the length of the splice assemblies can be less than a height of theoverlapping panels (not designated). In other words, top and bottomportions of panels 110 may extend beyond the reinforcing members 204 inthe y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the length of thereinforcing members 204 in the y direction is about two-feet,seven-inches, whereas the panels 110 as measured in the y-direction areapproximately three-feet. In the example shown in FIG. 9C, gasket 914 isevident between overlapping panels 110(1) and 110(2). The gasket can bemade from plastic or a putty type material, among others, and thematerial can conform to the corrugation pattern. In someimplementations, the gasket can generally extend along the entire heightof the overlapping panels (not shown). Additionally, as shown in FIG.9C, the gasket can extend through the splice assembly in the x directionbeyond outer edges 916 of the inwardly facing surfaces 902 of thereinforcing members. In this case, even though the splice assembly maynot extend along the entire height of the overlapping panels, the spliceassembly can apply enough force to the overlapping panels and gasket toeffectively seal the entire height of overlapping panels 110.

As mentioned above, FIG. 9C is a sectional, closer view of examplesplice assembly 104(1), viewed along the y axis. In someimplementations, corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904 can beoriented so a head 918 of bolt 906, corrugation spacer 908, and plug 910are on the interior 108 side of panel 110(2), and therefore on theinterior 108 side of secondary containment system 100 (shown in FIG. 1),to assist with the fluid-tight seal of splice assemblies 104. As shownin the example in FIG. 9C, the channel shape (e.g., C-shape) ofreinforcing member 204(2) can create an inner cavity 920 of thereinforcing member and the panel 110(2). In some implementations, thecorrugation spacer 908 and the plug 910 can be mounted on the bolt 906and fill the inner cavity 920, between an interior wall 922 ofreinforcing member 204(2) and a surface 923 of the panel 110(2), helpingto form a fluid-tight seal. The corrugation spacer 908 can be positionedagainst the interior wall 922 and the plug can be positioned against thepanel 110(2). In this case, the plug can fit partially into a bolt hole924 in overlapping panels 110(1), 110(2) and gasket 914.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are not drawn to scale, and proportions of elementsshown in the Figures are not meant to be limiting. In particular, notethat the length of corrugation spacer 908 can vary depending on thelocation of the corrugation spacer and plug assembly 904 relative to thecorrugation pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, due to thepositioning of corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904(1) and 904(2)relative to the corrugation pattern of panels 110, corrugation spacerand plug assemblies 904(1) and 904(2) will utilize corrugation spacers908 with different lengths relative to the z axis. Viewed another way,corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904 extend from interior walls922 of reinforcing members 204 along the z axis to points (notdesignated) in line with the wave shape of panels 110. In someimplementations, the placement of the corrugation spacer and plugassemblies 904 along a given reinforcing member 204 can be such that thecorrugation spacers 908 are the same length, or different lengths.

Traditional techniques for combining panels utilize a relatively largenumber of bolts, such as 26 bolts per splice. In general, the bolts areneeded to seal the gasket between panels, providing a water-tightbarrier. The inventive concepts allow a greatly reduced number of boltsto be utilized to splice two containment panels 110 together. Further,since each bolt/bolt hole is a breach of gasket 914, fewer bolts andbolt holes can increase the relative reliability of secondarycontainment system 100. As shown in FIG. 9B, 26 bolts can be replaced byfour corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904 in equivalent splices.Of course, other implementations can use less than four or more thanfour corrugation spacer and plug assemblies or bolts 906. In any case,the number of bolts can be greatly reduced from traditionalconfigurations for a given splice, saving material and installationtime. Additionally, the channel shape of the reinforcing members 204shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C can provide greater rigidity than when thelarger number of bolts, such as 26, is used. In other implementations,alternative methods of securing reinforcing members 204 on either sideof overlapping panels 110 or sealing elements of splice assemblies 104are contemplated.

In some implementations, splice assembly 104 can enable lifting devicesto be incorporated (not shown). For instance, a lifting hook or loopcould be added, such as via welding to the top of one or bothreinforcing members 204 of a pair. Alternatively, one or both of thereinforcing members of the splice assembly could be taller than a panel110 so that the reinforcing member(s) extend above the panel. A holedrilled through this extension could be utilized to lift sections ofsecondary containment system 100. In this manner, elements of barrierstructure 106 (FIG. 1) could be pre-built or pre-assembled into longersections to reduce time spent in the field.

In some implementations, panels 110 with the corrugation pattern may begenerally planar overall, as shown in FIG. 1. In other implementations,corrugated panels can have an overall curved form such that secondarycontainment system 100 can be a round or oval shape (not shown). Othershapes for the secondary containment system are contemplated, and can beassembled with corrugated panels that are planar, curved, bent, or haveother configurations. Referring to FIG. 1, implementations of secondarycontainment system 100 that include corners can have corner sections112. The corner section 112 can include the corrugation pattern and canoverlap the panels 110. In this implementation, the corner section and apanel can be secured together with the splice assemblies. This exampleis not meant to be limiting; other structures for corners of secondarycontainment systems are contemplated.

FIG. 1 depicts splice assemblies 104 mounted vertical with respect tothe corrugation pattern of panels 110. In other implementations, thesplice assemblies could be mounted at a different angle or orientation,such that inwardly facing surfaces of reinforcing members 204 would havea different shape or pattern dictated by the orientation.

Splice assemblies 104 could be used in other fields that employ splicingof corrugated or other patterned materials. For example, grainelevators, culverts, or other structures could be assembled with spliceassemblies to secure overlapping panels tightly.

CONCLUSION

Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc. pertaining tosecondary containment systems are described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms ofimplementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, etc.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A support assembly comprising: an elongate postmember with an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portionconfigured to be embedded in the ground; an upper stabilization plateincluding: a generally vertical portion secured against a first side ofthe elongate post member, the first side facing a first direction suchthat an upper edge of the generally vertical portion is configured to beproximate a surface of the ground and an upper edge of the lowerportion, wherein the generally vertical portion is configured to reducemovement of the elongate post member in the first direction when thelower portion is embedded in the ground, and a generally horizontalportion extending from the upper edge of the generally vertical portionin a second direction that is opposite the first direction such that thegenerally horizontal portion is configured to be flush with the surfaceof the ground when the lower portion is embedded in the ground; and alower stabilization plate secured against a second side of the elongatepost member, the second side facing the second direction, the lowerstabilization plate secured proximate a bottom end of the elongate postmember and configured to reduce other movement of the elongate postmember toward the second direction when the lower portion is embedded inthe ground.
 8. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein a size of afirst surface area of the generally vertical portion of the upperstabilization plate is calculated based on a containment need for agenerally horizontal force applied against the elongate post member tothe upper portion in the first direction, wherein when the generallyhorizontal force is applied, the elongate post member is configured topush against the upper stabilization plate and the first surface area isconfigured to spread the generally horizontal force out against amatching surface area of soil on the first side of the elongate postmember to stabilize the elongate post member.
 9. The support assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the lower stabilization plate has a second surface areasized based on a resistance need to reduce movement of the elongate postmember toward the second direction when the generally horizontal forceis applied.
 10. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein a proportion ofthe elongate post member above the ground to below the ground is in arange of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.
 11. The support assembly of claim 10,wherein the proportion of the elongate post member above the ground tobelow the ground is about 1.25:1.
 12. The support assembly of claim 7,wherein the elongate post member includes a cap with a horizontalsurface configured to be placed over a top of the elongate post memberand receive downward vertical force for driving the elongate post memberinto the ground.
 13. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein: themovement includes rotation, translation, or a combination of therotation and the translation. 14-15. (canceled)
 16. A panel spliceassembly comprising: first and second overlapping barrier panels, thebarrier panels having a corrugation pattern, the corrugation patternapproximating a sinusoidal curve; and elongate reinforcing membersconfigured to be positioned as a pair on opposing sides of the first andsecond overlapping barrier panels and secured together, the elongatereinforcing members including inwardly facing surfaces configured tomatch the corrugation pattern of the first and second overlappingbarrier panels.
 17. The panel splice assembly of claim 16, furthercomprising a corrugation gasket between the first and second overlappingbarrier panels, such that when the elongate reinforcing members aresecured together on opposing sides of the first and second overlappingbarrier panels the panel splice assembly forms a generally water-tightbarrier.
 18. The panel splice assembly of claim 16, wherein the elongatereinforcing members include side members that define: the inwardlyfacing surfaces; and inner cavities of the elongate reinforcing members.19. The panel splice assembly of claim 18, further comprising multiplecorrugation spacer and plug assemblies mounted in an individual innercavity of one elongate reinforcing member of the pair, the corrugationspacer and plug assemblies having spacer ends proximate an interior wallof the inner cavity opposite an individual barrier panel and plug endsproximate the individual barrier panel, wherein a length of anindividual corrugation spacer and plug assembly is dependent on a shapeof the sinusoidal curve where the individual corrugation spacer and plugassembly is mounted on the one elongate reinforcing member.
 20. Asecondary containment system comprising: a barrier structure includingmultiple overlapping panels, individual panels having a corrugationpattern; multiple support assemblies, individual support assembliesincluding: a lower stabilization plate mounted proximate to a bottom endof a first side of an elongate post member facing an interior of thesecondary containment system, and an upper stabilization plate mountedon a second opposite side of the elongate post member in a lower portionof the elongate post member, wherein the lower portion of the multiplesupport assemblies are configured to be embedded in the ground such thata top edge of a generally vertical portion of the upper stabilizationplate is flush with the ground; and multiple pairs of reinforcingmembers, individual reinforcing members of the multiple pairs positionedon opposing sides of overlap areas of the multiple overlapping panelsand secured together, the individual reinforcing members includinginwardly facing corrugated surfaces that match the corrugation patternof the individual panels, wherein the individual panels are securedagainst the individual support assemblies on an interior side of thesecondary containment system.
 21. The secondary containment system ofclaim 20, wherein the upper stabilization plate further includes: agenerally horizontal portion that extends from the top edge of thegenerally vertical portion of the upper stabilization plate on eitherside of the elongate post member toward the interior of the secondarycontainment system, wherein the generally horizontal portion isconfigured to support at least one of the individual panels mounted onthe first side of the elongate post member.
 22. The support assembly ofclaim 7, wherein: the movement includes rotation and/or translation ofthe upper portion of the elongate post member in the first directionwhen a force is applied to the upper portion of the elongate post memberin the first direction.
 23. The support assembly of claim 22, wherein:the other movement includes rotation and/or translation of the lowerportion of the elongate post member in the second direction when theforce is applied to the upper portion of the elongate post member in thefirst direction.